By Mary Bernard, Master Gardener
Earwigs are common pests in gardens, landscapes and they occasionally invade
the home. Adult earwigs are about 0.75 inch long and
reddish brown with a pair of prominent forceps at the rear of the body.
Earwigs feed on other insects and are beneficial in the garden when they do so. But they can become pests when they eat valuable plant
parts or are nuisances in homes. European earwigs
sometimes destroy seedlings, flower blossoms, buds, and leaves. They also eat dried plant material, ripe fruit, and
garbage. Other species of earwigs have been found
eating dog food, stored potatoes, flour, and melons.
Since earwigs feed at night, the damage they cause may be the only evidence of
their presence. Seedlings may be destroyed. Leaves and flowers may become riddled with irregular holes
and notches. This damage should not be confused with
that of other pests such as snails, slugs, and certain caterpillars and weevils
which also feed at night. For positive evidence search
until the pest is found. Many of these pests can
easily be seen at work during the night with the aid of a flashlight.
At certain times of the year earwigs may become a nuisance by wandering into
homes in large numbers. The striped earwig brings with
it a very disagreeable odor, especially when crushed.
With extra patience, earwigs can be controlled without using insecticides by
taking advantage of their natural habits. Since they
crawl into dark cracks and crevices to spend the daylight hours, a rolled up
newspaper becomes a convenient hiding place. Pick up
the newspaper every day or two and simply crush or dispose of them of them. Sections of old garden hose, bamboo, or corrugated
cardboard also make excellent hiding places. Quickest
control is achieved by using numerous traps throughout the yard. The traps can be hidden beneath shrubbery and ground cover
plantings, or against fences.
A sticky band of Tanglefoot around tree trunks will
prevent earwigs from crawling into trees. Good garden
sanitation helps to deter large infestations. Remove
piles of debris where earwigs are living and breeding.
Earwigs can be controlled with baits, but these must be used with caution
around children or pets that may eat it. Most baits
must be kept away from direct contact with plants grown for food and should not
contact any tender plant parts. Follow the label
directions carefully. Do not water for 2 to 3 days
after treatment.